Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport®

Botox® Cosmetic and Dysport®

Fine line, wrinkles, and crows feet are badges of honor from a life well lived. But what if you could live your life to the fullest without the hands of time showing across your face?

Botox Cosmetic® and Dysport® are cosmetic neuromodulators; they block nerve impulses and prevent movement of facial muscles. In doing so, both drugs remove wrinkles in the brow, forehead and around the eyes. Botox has been FDA approved since 2002, and Dysport since 2009 for the treatment of the brow area. Both drugs have a wide array of uses other than paralysis of the facial muscles, known as “off label” uses. Dr. Bukov has experience with both Botox and Dysport and will discuss the pros and cons of each option as it applies to your specific needs and circumstances.

Using a neuromodulator will make you appear refreshed and well rested. Dr. Bukov and Nob Hill Medical & Aesthetics excel at creating a more youthful, natural appearance via meticulously placed injections. While a quality product is essential, a deft hand is critical.

Treatment with either Botox or Dysport is very quick, approximately a 10-15 minute appointment. Results appear within a few days, and last up to four months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Botulinum Toxin A® Cosmetic

What is Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic?

Botulinum Toxin Type A produced by Allergan or Botox® is a medication that is used to treat dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. Botulinum Toxin A can also be used on the lower face to treat the muscles that cause tiny lines around the mouth, the sad lines at the corners of the mouth, as well as the aging appearance of the neck. Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic works by relaxing the facial muscles, creating a smoother more refreshed appearance.

Is it safe?

YES. Botulinum Toxin Type A is a purified protein which is extracted from a naturally occurring bacteria and processed under strict pharmaceutical manufacturing guidelines. The cosmetic use of Botox® has been FDA approved.

How long does the procedure take?

Generally after the consultation, the procedure takes only 15 minutes. Since there is no down time, the procedure can be performed during a lunch hour, and no one would know that a treatment had occurred.

How is it done? Does it hurt?

Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic is injected with a very tiny needle and a delicate syringe. Most patients say the injections feel similar to a little pinch, or tiny pin prick.

How quickly can I see results?

Results are normally noticed within 3-5 days, but it may take as long as two weeks before the full effect of the treatment is realized.

I don’t want to look “frozen” without any expression- will that happen?

How long does Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic last? Is it permanent?

Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic is not permanent. It lasts between 3-4 months on average, but results may vary. Scientific studies show that if you have your first three treatments every three months that subsequent treatments will last longer and possibly even require lower dosing. Patients who adhere to a prompt treatment schedule can stabilize their treatment at approximately two to three times a year.

Is it going to be worse when it wears off?

NO. A patient’s appearance will never get worse if Botox® Cosmetic use is stopped or when it wears off. Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic “stops or slows” the clock on aging. When treatments are stopped, the “aging clock” resumes like normal. At the very minimum, the patient’s appearance will simply return to where it started. If patients use Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic for a number of years and then stop, they will receive a lasting benefit as it will take time for the muscles to return to baseline.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic are RARE and NOT PERMANENT. Rarely, there can be some minor bruising (which is easily covered up with makeup), redness, swelling, or a slight short term headache. As with any injections, bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction can occur. In less than one percent, a drooping eyelid can occur. Certain patients can develop antibodies to Botulinum Toxin A, which may reduce the effectiveness in subsequent injections. Most of these side effects occur in doses many times higher than
Cosmetic doses and usually with other serious medical conditions. Most patients, however, do not experience any side effects at all.

How much does it cost?

Your medical practitioner is trained to analyze your individual facial anatomy and then formulate the Botulinum Toxin A dose that will give you the best cosmetic enhancement and longevity.
Since each patient’s cosmetic concerns and facial anatomy are unique, the Botulinum Toxin A dosage and treatment cost would best be determined in an individualized consultation.

I am currently pregnant/breast feeding. Can I get Botulinum Toxin A?

NO. It is recommended that patients wait until they are finished breast feeding to have Botulinum Toxin A Cosmetic. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove any harm to mother or baby, we prefer to be safe.

PARKING

Parking is located inside the building and is conveniently accessible via Bush Street. The address to the parking garage is 1220 Bush street, San Francisco CA 94109. Please be advised that the valet parking fee will be $5 per hour. The elevator from the garage will bring you straight to our office located on 4th floor.